10 Must-Have Things to Take With You When You Travel

Last update March 13, 2017

Ever been in a situation when you wished you haven’t forgotten something? Find out what essential things you might need on your travels anywhere. Beyond the standard clothes and a personal hygiene kit, what can you bring with you that will make your travels more joyful or exciting nowadays?

1. Anti-theft bags and pockets

Jokes aside, you don’t want to lose your flight tickets or wallet. However, even when a credit card is inside your wallet, its NFC chip may be scanned with the chip-skimming devices while someone passes by you on a packed street. If you don’t want to set the pin code for wireless transactions, get a wallet with an anti-scan pocket. As for the safety of documents, many suitcases and backpacks have pockets with hidden zippers or compartments that may not be that obvious to find out. That way, even if you were robbed, you might give away only a handful of pocket money without losing your savings or important docs.

2. Plastic bags with zip locks

We are listing these as a separate entry because of the importance of keeping your documents protected against the moisture. A few things can be less pleasant on a trip than finding out that your passport has been ruined by the opened soda bottle right before the border pass. Zip plastic bags are not expensive but can save you a load of money and troubles in the future.

3. Power bank

Lately, it’s become a #1 tech gadget for travelers. You can find power banks in different shapes and capacities, all being appropriate for keeping your mobile battery charged even when you’re away from a power socket, like when you’re hiking, mountain climbing, etc. Also, it doesn’t have to be a separate item. You can find phone cases with already built-in battery power banks.

4. Camera and Selfie stick

Unless it’s a business trip to another country, it can be a good idea to grab them with you. The compact cameras and selfie sticks can be very lightweight and small-sized, so you can easily fit them in a backpack. It can also be a great way to band your friends together for a memorable shot and document your journeys.

5. Tablet, MP3 player or E-Reader

Yep, a solo trip on a bus or train can be quite boring. Especially, when there’s no internet access. Watching a movie or reading a book is still one of the best ways to while away time between the flights and before arrival to the place of destination. Even if you are not into reading, there are audiobooks and music that you can listen to in your headphones.

6. First aid kits

Let’s move on to more essential items. Surely, traveling can be fun and all. But sightseeing will not be that amusing if you have a blood blister on the leg from a day-long walking or hiking. There are first aid kits that are very compact and can easily fit inside a handbag. Remember to check out the meds in it, as some countries may deny the entry or even arrest you if you have certain drugs on you without a legal permit to carry them.

7. Swiss army knife

Although you won’t be allowed to board the flight with this in your hand luggage, it can save your life in many extreme situations on your trips. It’s a must-have item for camping as well. Apart from cutting the food, a Swiss army knife also offers a bundle of other tools for fixing different stuff and, of course, a corkscrew for the travelers with the most exquisite tastes.

8. Sunscreen

Going on a vacation during the hot season is a popular trend. Yet, getting sunburns instead of a beautiful tan can be quite depressing. Thus, having a sunscreen lotion or a cream is not a bad idea. A hat with wide flaps is also advised for protecting your head from the sunstrokes.

9. Hand Sanitizer

Never underestimate the usefulness of this item. It can be vitally important to keep your hands clean and infection-free. We recommend buying the one in a clear plastic bottle to have a faster border pass inspection.

10. Socket adapters

Not being able to recharge your phone or tablet in another country due to a different socket type can be very frustrating. Luckily, you can usually find the adapters in a lot of convenience stores. Still, staying in a hotel far from the shops, you may end up with all your mobile devices being discharged. Find out, what socket type is used in the country you visit and buy the right adapter prior the trip.